The general and disconnected musings of you're average, middle-aged geek.

Stitcher Player

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Why I Like Disney

As a middle-aged man, you might think that I put "kiddie" things behind me. For the most part, you're right. I don't play with toys, and the ones that I have from my childhood are used by my daughter. I play video games infrequently, at best. I read comic books, but now it tends to be either for nostalgia or research, as I haven't purchased a new comic in years.

One thing that many people consider to be "kiddie" though, I don't, and that's Disney. Specifically, Walt Disney and his vision. The vision that the future is still out there, waiting to be discovered, and that it's BETTER than today. Yes, better than today. Not some post-apocalyptic wasteland where humans struggle to survive. Not a world overrun by zombies or alien invader. No, a "great big beautiful tomorrow" where science and humanity has advanced to the point where we can actually do stuff that we only dreamed about a few years ago.

This is still shown, for the most part, at the theme parks. Oh, I know that they're expensive to travel to and all, but if you've never been to one, I'd say that it's worth it. Yes, there are the "flavor of the month" tie-ins, but that's to be expected since it is a for profit endeavor. If you look, though, you will see an ideal to strive towards. Take some time to visit the "Carousel of Progress" to see how far we've come. Visit "Liberty Square" and revive your sense of pride in America. Take a walk through Tomorrowland and see where we might get to.

Heck, just take a look at Walt's presentation for his idea of EPCOT could have been.* No, I mean actually watch it, don't skim it. THIS is what Disney means to me. Hope for the future, rooted in the planning of today. In a world that seems to be getting crazier every day, we need Walt Disney's vision now more than ever.

For the true Disneyphile, I would suggest listening to "Earning My Ears" which gives you some great info specifically on Walt Disney World. It's got an irregular release schedule, just due to real life getting in the way, but it's well worth your time.

* If only I could get hired by WDW, I'm sure I could make this a reality.